Cooper Kupp is inching closer to a return to the Los Angeles Rams after missing the majority of the 2024 season due to injury. The star wide receiver, who went down with a significant injury in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, has been on injured reserve (IR) ever since. However, Kupp’s name was making headlines for a different reason this week, as rumors swirled about his future with the team.
On Tuesday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that Kupp’s name had surfaced in trade discussions as the NFL’s November 5 trade deadline approaches.
With the Rams navigating a challenging season and looking to potentially retool, speculation arose that Kupp, one of the league’s top receivers, might be on the move.
Amidst the swirling rumors, Kupp addressed the media and acknowledged the reports, though he remained steadfast in his commitment to the Rams.
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When asked about the trade speculation, Kupp admitted that he had seen the headlines but emphasized his focus on the present and his role with Los Angeles.
“I’m aware of it, but at the end of the day, I’m gonna be where my feet are. That’s all I know,” Kupp said in a statement to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic. “I have a job to do here. I take a lot of pride in giving everything I can for the guys in this building.”
Kupp, who has been with the Rams for seven-and-a-half seasons, expressed his dedication to the team and his teammates, making it clear that his focus remains on doing everything he can for the organization.
“For seven-and-a-half years, I’ve been an L.A. Ram, and I’ve taken that approach every single day. Whatever happens outside of that, I’ve got to control what I can control. Right now, that means being the best L.A. Ram I can be,” Kupp added, reinforcing his loyalty to the franchise that drafted him in 2017.
Despite the trade rumors, Kupp is on track to make his much-anticipated return to the field this Thursday in a matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. If he suits up, it will be his first game action since September 15. Kupp’s return would be a significant boost for the Rams’ offense, which has struggled in his absence.
Kupp made it clear that despite the noise surrounding potential trades, his primary focus is on helping the Rams win games and being a leader on the field. “I’ve learned over the years that you can’t control everything that happens outside. My job is to be the best player and teammate I can be. I’m here to work hard for this team, and that’s where my focus is.”
As Kupp prepares to return, Rams fans are hopeful that he can help reignite their season, and while his future with the team may be in question, his commitment to the present is undeniable.
With the trade deadline looming, all eyes will be on Kupp’s performance and how the Rams navigate the coming weeks. For now, though, Kupp remains a Ram—and he’s ready to make an impact once again.